For The Love Of Gardens

It all began in around 6th grade. My best friend at the time had a gorgeous Spanish style home with rustic accents and unique details. The backyard had a long, rectangular shaped pool embellished with handcrafted tiles. To the left of the pool was an underground trampoline where we spent our time picnicking and of course playing "crack the egg." But to the right of the pool was a little path that led to my most favorite addition to the already magical home. Through a small wooden gate one could venture into the garden.

There was something about this garden in particular that left an imprint on my heart. I had always loved flowers but I never knew how much I appreciated their beauty until I experienced this garden. The plot of land was literally overflowing with flora and fauna. The air was fragrant with many different scents, yet they all seemed to fuse together quite nicely. Sunflowers and peonies to strawberries and peppers. Roses and daisies to cabbage and carrots. This garden had every plant imaginable basking in full bloom. Buckets of basil, rosemary, and other herbs were also featured in the garden.

My friends mother was the master gardener. She would constantly arrange bouquets, one for each room in the house including mini bouquets for each daughter's room. I admired her creativity and followed her into the garden whenever I could. Other times, we would gather up some favorite flowers and bring them into the craft room. Yes I know, this house was truly a magical wonderland. In the craft room, my friends mother would put together the most intricate fresh flower crowns for us to wear.